Recession, Opportunities and Threats for 2009

With the recession comes opportunities as well as threats - and even though the economy could shrink up to 5% over two years, it still means that 95% of the economy is still operating in the current recession.

We have seen consumer spending priorities change over the years and from a variety of research resources it is clear that people consider a holiday as a necessity not a luxury, with holidays a high priority for peoples spending in 2009. However, many, if not all, will have less money to spend than in previous years, and research also indicates that half of the consumers will not be prepared to compromise on quality, but will holiday less frequently and/or stay for a shorter period. The remaining half of consumers will not compromise on quantity, but will trade down to ensure they still have their full breaks and holidays.

However, both types of consumers will be looking for value and this does not mean discounting; it is ‘value’ as perceived by the consumer and you might well be thinking what is the difference between value and discounting? Value is about holding the price and adding services and options that are valued by the consumer, but should not cost you too much. For instance; if you are a restaurant why not provide a talk on wines; if you are an accommodation provider targeting families why not create a treasure hunt for the children; if you are a hotel then look to bulk buy attraction tickets and offer them free to customers, or purchase some bikes and offer free bike hire; if you are a small business then why not offer to take visitors on a personal guided tour of your area etc.

I hope these ideas stimulate your thinking about what you can add to an offer that will make a holiday appear excellent value for money and generate bookings.

On a different note, there is one big difference in this recession compared to any others that we have seen and that is the Internet. In the last recession in the early 1990’s the Internet was just a toy for academic anoraks, whereas today it is widely used by the majority of the population and a favourite for researching holidays and travel. It provides a great opportunity for you to market to consumers using direct emails, or ensure your website features the value of your offering, plus plenty of information on all the activities that people can do for free in and around your local area.

However, as the old saying goes, ‘you only get one chance to make a first impression.’
I believe, with the Internet you only get one chance to position the value of your product and this will be a critical challenge for businesses in 2009, as consumers will be researching holidays like never before in search of a quality product at a good price.

I have highlighted the challenges for 2009, now lets look at more positive aspects of the coming year. Never, since its creation, has the Euro been so strong against the pound, making us a very attractive destination for overseas visitors, but more importantly making our overseas competition far more expensive to our domestic customers. Our challenge is to bring back our loyal, repeat visitors and capture those Brits who would have normally gone abroad to holiday in the South West.

So finally, although there are many challenges for 2009, and with rising unemployment, the number of Brits taking holidays is very likely to reduce, however that does not mean it has to reduce in the South West. Therefore now is the time to capture new overseas visitors and convert new business to the South West that was destined for overseas.

I wish you all a profitable and busy Christmas and New Year and I hope I have helped to stimulate some ideas to enable you to see the opportunities available in 2009, to ensure a profitable and prosperous year ahead.


Malcolm Bell,
Director of South West Tourism

Non-Executive Directors and Chairman of the Board

South West Tourism is seeking to appoint seven Non-Executive Board members including a Chairman of the Board.

For more information please visit:
http://www.swtourism.co.uk/about-us/board-of-directors/BoardVacancies.ashx

South West Tourism AGM

Thank you to those who attended South West Tourism’s AGM on 02 December at Tiverton Hotel, it was a well attended event. We would also like to thank the members of the panel for taking part in the Question Time session.


The venue was at capacity in the end, so apologies to those who couldn’t attend, however if you would like to view the draft minutes please visit the following:



http://www.swtourism.co.uk/content/tourism-industry-conference-and-south-west-tourism.ashx

Do you have paying guests?

If so, fire safety law applies to you and you must take action


Visit the following for more information:


http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/payingguests

Tourism Excellence Awards winners announced 2008/2009

The best of the South West were celebrating on Monday night (24 November) at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, in association with Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, First Great Western and South West Water.

View the results here

Win a free £500 Multilingual Website Design Package

South West Tourism has teamed up with Kwintessential, a leading regional provider of cross cultural solutions, to launch an innovative competition giving three businesses the chance to win a multilingual website design package worth £500 for the New Year.

In these uncertain times businesses can seek to improve their marketing advantage and global reach by allowing prospective overseas customers to research in their own language every aspect of a holiday or business visit to the South West

All types of private sector tourism businesses; accommodation, attractions, cafes, restaurants & inns, tourism retail and transport operators are eligible for entry and there will be one winner from each of the three eligible areas:

1) Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and Somerset
2) Dorset and Wiltshire
3) Devon and Cornwall

The online entry form is available at: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/competition/

Entrants simply describe what they are doing already to attract foreign visitors and/or why they feel they would benefit most from a website translation. The three winners will receive 1,000 words professionally translated into two languages of choice, advice on key messages across five web pages and micro website pages integrated and linked to their own website home page.

Deadline for entries is 3rd December.

Tourism related aspects of the pre-budget report

We have received information from Tourism Alliance regarding the main tourism-related aspects of the pre-budget report.

£3bn of capital spending will be brought forward from 2010/11. This will include road projects.

VAT will be cut from 17.5 to 15% until the end of next year, coming into effect next Monday.

Alcohol, tobacco and petrol duty will be raised to offset the VAT cut.

From April 2011, a new 45% income tax rate will be charged to those earning above £150,000 a year.

Small businesses will have a temporary increase in tax relief thresholds for empty properties (threshold to be £15,000 rateable value)

HMRC will work with SMEs to spread tax payments (VAT, corporation and NI) to fit business cashflows

£1bn will be provided for a temporary Small Business Finance Scheme.

Air passenger duty will be reformed into a four tier system so that those who travel furthest pay most.

National Insurance will increase by 0.5% from 2011

We will release more information as it is announced.

Research and 2012 games

In 2012 the eyes of the world will be on the UK and of course the South West, therefore The South West RDA are trying to build up a picture of what the current offer is to disabled visitors and their families when visiting the region.


Please could you spare 5 minutes to complete the following survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ASMTBNPP61Ie24c3ZGNCVA_3d_3d
Your input will be invaluable now, in the lead up to 2012 and beyond.

The Paralympics will increase the focus on disability issues and participation in disability sport across the board. It will highlight our attitudes to disabilities and the service we provide to people with special requirements in the South West.


The South West RDA are already focused on this area of work, and the opportunity it provides for destinations and businesses to build the markets of the future by welcoming the wider audience of those people considered to have a disability, as well as athletes with disabilities, their families, friends and supporters.

South West Tourism AGM and Question Time

2nd December 2008, 1pm - 4pm
The Tiverton Hotel, Blundells Road, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4DB

Do you have a question or suggestion to put to any, or all three of the Chief Executives of the agencies that have a direct influence on the future of national and regional tourism?

Tom Wright Visitbritain
Jane Henderson South West Regional Development Agency
Malcolm Bell South West Tourism

Tom Wright, Chief Exec of the national tourist board, VisitBritain and Board Director of South West Tourism will be just one of the key industry representatives available to answer your questions at our December Members Meeting and AGM.

This is your chance to raise the issues that are important to you as a tourism business operating in the region and to influence the future of the region’s tourism industry and how it’s supported.

We’re eager to hear your views on hot topics including, marketing, nationally recognised quality schemes and how we should rise to the challenges of the recession. Plus, put forward your ideas on what you think public bodies should be doing to support the region’s industry in 2009 and beyond, as well as any other issues such as red tape and regulations that affect your business.
Join us – free of charge to members2 December – The Tiverton Hotel, Devon1pm – 4.30pm

Led by South West Tourism Chairman, Francis Cornish, the afternoon will kick off with an informal sandwich lunch and the rare chance for you to discuss your issues, one-to-one with senior representatives of the official national, regional and local tourism organisations (see below).

Annette Cole, who heads up South West Tourism’s research team, will present findings from a recent Business Survey based on 900 businesses from across the region. The findings highlight some significant changes in visitor trends that will help inform your product development and marketing in 2009 and beyond.

The final session of the afternoon will be a rare opportunity for members to put their questions and concerns to VisitBritain, South West RDA and South West Tourism in a panel - which is sure to be a lively debate.

For more information please visit our website: www.swtourism.co.uk/agm

Who’ll be available to take your comments and concerns:-
VisitBritain, Chief Exec, Tom WrightS.W. Regional Development Agency, Chief Exec, Jane Henderson.

South West Tourism:
Chairman, Francis CornishChief Exec, Malcolm Bell
Research & Strategy, Annette Cole
Marketing, Kirsty Cumming
Sustainable Tourism Expert, Neil Warren Your Local

Destination Management Organisation:
VisitDevon, Chief Executive, Nicola Poultney (tbc)
Wiltshire Tourism Partnership, Head of Partnership, Alun Williams
Somerset Tourism Partnership, Partnership Co-ordinator, David McCubbin
Destination Dorset , Lead Officer, David Walsh
Visit Cornwall , Lead Officer, Steve Kessell
Cotswold and Forest of Dean DMO, Tourism Manager, Chris Dee (tbc)
Destination Bristol, Commercial Services Manager, Kathryn Davis
Bath Tourism Plus, Chief Executive, Robin Bischert
Bournemouth & Poole, Tourism Manager for Poole, Graham Richardson

Free of charge when registering in advance!

If you would like to join us, free of charge, from 1pm on 2nd December at The Tiverton Hotel then please register via email by sending your name, business name and email address to agm@swtourism.co.uk

Note: Those not registering in advance, will be required to pay a fee of £25 on the day in order to join the networking and presentation sessions.

‘How’s business’ results

Thank you to the 860 tourism businesses who completed the Business Snapshot Survey last month, relating to how the industry has performed during 2008. View the results.

Business Snapshot Survey 2008

Click here for an overview of the county results
Click here for the full report

Regional results summary
Latest research from South West Tourism’s Business Snapshot Survey for January to end of August 2008 indicates business levels are still extremely mixed, as a number of businesses are reporting either increases or decreases for both visitor numbers and turnover.

This is especially true for the data showing the year to the end of August. The summary figures for ‘all businesses’ and ‘all accommodation’, which provide a robust sample in each instance, shows that only an approximate 1 in 5 businesses are operating at the same levels as they were in 2007, both in terms of visitor numbers and turnover.

School Holiday Period Performance (July / Aug) (compared to 2007)
Whilst accommodation providers reported similar levels of business in July & August this year as compared to last year, the contrast among visitor attractions was quite marked, with 41% of attractions reporting increases in visitor numbers and 42% reporting decreases. Just 17% of visitor attractions reported similar business levels to 2007.

As a result, the average actual change figures for all businesses show similar levels of visitors in 2008 to 2007 during the school holiday period.

School Holiday Period Turnover (July / Aug) (compared to 2007)
The research showed an average actual change in turnover of + 1.4% for the school holiday period across the sector. Accommodation providers turnover was +2% for the period and attractions turnover was +4%. However, both food & drink and other businesses reported average actual decreases in turnover of – 4% and – 5% respectively.

Whilst visitor numbers appear to have held up reasonably well during the peak period, there are indications that there has been a reduction in secondary spend (non-accommodation related spend), with food & drink businesses having the largest proportion of businesses reporting decreases in turnover for the period.

Year (to end of August) Performance (compared to 2007)
When looking at visitor numbers for the year so far (to the end of August) it is apparent that business levels are very mixed. 37% of both accommodation providers and attractions reported increases for the year, whilst 40% of each sector also reported decreases in visitor numbers for the year.

Visitor levels by accommodation type are also very mixed, however, holiday parks stand out of the accommodation types with just 16% reporting increases in visitor numbers and 76% reporting decreases for the year to the end of August.

Generally speaking, when comparing visitor numbers for the year to the end of August, to the same period in 2007, there is little change in the actual average change across most sectors and counties.

With regards to turnover specifically, it should be noted that this survey does not take into account differentials in both business costs and the cost of living between 2007 and 2008, and it is likely that a small overall increase in turnover does not reflect an overall increase in business profit. Although, this is something that some individual businesses may have been able to address through cost cutting measures.

Predictions and limiting factors for businesses
A large number of respondents cited the credit crunch as a factor affecting their area, regardless of how they were currently performing, both by county and by business type. Large proportions of businesses, the majority in some instances, are now less optimistic for the future of the tourism industry in their area.

With regards to those reporting increases in turnover, across all sectors, a recurring theme is that they have been active with their business plans. This includes things such as offering value for money, adding value to their product, diversifying into other areas and discounting prices to keep their turnover up.

‘Fire safety sense’ campaign launched

A major campaign regarding the damaging effects surrounding the enforcement of the 2006 fire regulation is being launched by nine national organisations representing the vast majority of small tourism businesses in the UK.

The campaign is highlighting the closures of small B&Bs and home-based businesses, and calling for common-sense in determining what fire precautions are required in the home.

A website has been launched at FireSafetySENSE.com, and a 10 Downing Street Petition has been opened.

The campaign calls on the Government to act to halt the damage being caused to very small businesses (including small B&Bs, families offering a self-catering room or flat, and home-based businesses) by the inconsistent and burdensome way the regulations are being enforced by local fire authorities.

In 2006 the Government abolished Fire Certificates and brought in a new self-assessment fire precautions regime under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (the “RRFSO”). It was intended as a deregulatory measure, virtually all premises used by the public were brought under the regulations, but very small premises (now covered for the first time) were intended to be treated proportionately, bearing in mind their size and the actual fire risk posed.

The RRFSO requires owners to perform a “Fire Risk Assessment” and put in place “appropriate” fire precautions.

However in the two years since the new regulations were introduced, the trade associations behind the campaign have been inundated with calls from members threatened with closure or the enforcement of major works including fire doors, emergency lighting and sophisticated fire alarm systems – often even in family homes offering one or two bedrooms on a “B&B” basis.

David Weston, Chief Executive of the Bed & Breakfast Association, commented:
“Many small B&Bs have already closed rather than substantially alter their homes or spend a five-figure sum in order to offer hospitality to a couple of guests – and the guests themselves are choosing B&Bs for their more home-from-home qualities. All our members are very fire safety conscious, but we don’t see why commercial fire systems and fire doors are necessary, for instance, in a cottage which already has smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and a careful owner staying on the premises”.

Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of South West Tourism said:
“We have always supported the abolition of the 6 bed rule and we do support sensible fire regulations. However, at present there needs to be a more common-sense approach that is fit for the purpose and is also affordable. In addition the confusion and lack of consistency in the application of the new rules needs removing so that they are less confusing to the industry.

Otherwise bed & breakfasts’ in the region will be put out of business by having to spend vast amounts on safety measures that are being inconsistently enforced around the region.”

Although the RRFSO specifically excludes “domestic premises”, the Government’s ‘Department for Communities and Local Government’ (DCLG) have declared that if even one room is let to a non-family member even occasionally, the regulations apply. This means that everyone who accommodates a student in their home, for instance, must comply or face a possible £5,000 fine.

This brings hundreds of thousands of households within the fire regulations regime for the first time ever – and hardly any of those affected yet realise what the Government requires of them. By including all these homes, the regulations will only be workable if “common-sense” applies in practice and minimal precautions are enforced on householders – the campaign’s supporters fear that this may not be the case, unless the approach used during the first two years of the regulations is substantially modified.

The “Fire Safety SENSE Campaign” is supported by the Tourism Alliance, the Bed & Breakfast Association, Alastair Sawday Publishing, South West Tourism, Tourism South East, Farm Stay UK, the English Association of Self-Catering Operators, and the British Institute of Innkeeping, amongst others.

The campaign’s launch follows the decision of the Fire Safety Minister, Parmjit Dhanda MP, not to issue guidance to local fire authorities, despite admitting that “an over-zealous and, in some cases, a disproportionate approach by some fire safety officers may be damaging both the [tourism] sector itself and the reputation of the Fire and Rescue Service”.
For further detail, please see http://www.firesafetysense.com/

New Welcome to Excellence course dates released

Already leading the way in the tourism leisure, and hospitality sector, Welcome to Excellence is also now seen as the way forward by retail businesses, travel operators, local authorities and many other organisations for which quality customer service is critical. Isn’t it time you join them? Click here for course dates

Lead, Motivate And Succeed - A new course developed in response to widespread demand. A stimulating and inspiring one-day course that will empower first-time managers and supervisors to get the most out of their team. It aims to help supervisors and managers to lead, develop and motivate their staff so that the whole team delivers world-class customer service.
click here for course dates and further information

Excellence Awards: winners and finalists revealed

South West Tourism reveals the winners and finalists of the prestigious South West Tourism Excellence Awards in association with the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, First Great Western and South West Water. Click here to view the award winners

Businesses can’t afford to ignore increasing flood risk

Small businesses are more at risk from flooding than fire - and the effects can be 30 times as costly as burglary - yet many businesses still do not have any measures in place to protect their property or staff from flooding. Click here for more information

Access 08 ‘easy ways to win’ event feedback

The Easy Ways to Win conference on the 22 September, provided advice and guidance to tourism businesses about how they could take simple steps to improve their offer to visitors with disabilities and their families. View the presentations from the event.
Click here for the presentations

Staying competitive and profitable in 2009

Next year will be difficult for many and as a result tourism businesses may suffer if they fail to react quickly to the changing needs of visitors. In addition to our own thoughts, we have spoken to a variety of leading tourism businesses and organisations from across the region and asked their views and tips on securing business in 2009.

This year continues to see the fall-out and consequences of the credit crunch, high oil prices and growing inflationary pressures. This has resulted in falling stock markets, increased uncertainty over employment, growing worries about future pension values and even people starting to become concerned about the security of their savings. The impact of this has been in a significant and growing, reduction in the confidence of our customers. Combined with this, your business costs have increased rapidly and to top it all we have seen unsettled weather throughout 2008 and a very poor summer.

2009 is not going to be any easier, especially in terms of encouraging visitors to return. However the Euro exchange rates, increased air taxes, and the recent travel company collapses may, if not should, help domestic tourism. Therefore, we should all do all we can and not rely on external factors to deliver business.
South West Tourism will shift emphasis of the regional marketing campaign to focus on the early spring and main spring periods, combined with an element of support for the main summer season. In the past we have solely concentrated on out off season promotion, but following two poor summers, now is the time to act to build summer trade for 2009.

Top Tips:

• Promote ‘good value’ or ‘added value’ breaks and holidays (as opposed to discounting).
  - Consider splitting weeks in the main season - offering 3-4 day blocks as many may still want a break but might be reluctant to pay for a whole week- Offer guided tours - Offer incentives to visitors who book early – or early bird prices - Offer a free bus service / taxi service- Provide bike hire - Provide various activities or create themes to differentiate your business. - Plus many other ideas you may have
  
• Intelligent menu planning. Next year’s visitors will be looking for value when choosing food and drink and few will be in the position to spend as freely as they have in recent years, on highly priced menu options. Businesses could therefore benefit substantially by putting affordable lower price, but good quality, options on the menu. With careful planning this can still give the same or similar profit margins and keep people coming through your doors.
  
• There are 1000s of free things to do on a South West break/holiday. B&B’s / hotels / holiday parks need to offer visitors more information about low cost or no cost activities as well as paid for activities in order to attract them to holiday in the region.
  
• Plan your marketing and pricing around the school holidays - School holiday dates for 2009 & 2010.
  
• Make sure your website is up-to-date, comprehensive and offers online booking. Eviivo provide an affordable way to increase the opportunity to generate more bookings: visit: http://www.eviivo.com/.
  
• Check that webcams are kept clean. If you have access to a webcam then a dusty / dirty view could be the deciding factor for a visitor not to make a booking.
  
• Monitor how well your business is currently performing: Speak with other businesses in the area, join local commercial groups and keep in touch with your Destination Management Organisation. Business Link also offer the following business health check tool
  
• Find out what local business events are happening in your area.

How's business?

Are you interested in knowing how businesses like yours are doing this year?http://www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/swtresearch/survey/bs/sept.htm

Feedback on what limits you businesses profitability and/or growth?

Thank you to those businesses who voiced their comments last month regarding what you see as a limiting factor to your businesses success or what annoys / causes confusion with the current South West tourism industry.

This feedback is useful and we will continue to look at ways of rectifying these in the future. The current issues that have been highlighted are; tourism structures, websites, fire regulations and effective marketing. If you have anymore views on this subject please feel free to add your comments to the website.

Have you say!

Since we launched the ‘Tourism Industry News’ in July we are pleased to say the ‘Have Your Say’ section has been a real success in terms of feedback gained from the tourism industry, whilst also enabling businesses to share tips and advice.

Please remember to use this section to your advantage, share your views with other tourism businesses around the region.

‘The Hotel Inspector' - It could be you

‘The Hotel Inspector' is seeking hotels and guesthouses’ that would like a helping hand to boost profit margins and increase occupancy levels.

Channel five’s The Hotel Inspector is back for it’s 5th amazing series, featuring award-winning hotelier Alex Polizzi. Once again the producers are on a nationwide search for failing hotels and guesthouses’ that desperately need the advice, investment and massive publicity that the series can bring.

They are keen to hear from hoteliers who would be interested in this unique opportunity to get valuable profit boosting advice, and the chance to open their doors to a nationwide audience of millions.

Are you trying to improve standards at your hotel? Are your staff a nightmare and you don’t know how to lead them? Have you perfected the product but are struggling with marketing? Maybe you just can’t get that restaurant right? Or despite your best efforts, has it all gone terribly wrong and you’re on the brink of throwing in the towel?

Quotes from Hoteliers from Series 4

“On the personal side it really boosted my self confidence. The response from the programme was outstanding with lots of personal messages of good luck and a lot of bookings!"
Rachel Roffe, Number 9, Torquay

“To have an industry expert share her wisdom & experience was an opportunity not to be missed. The whole experience was fantastic. Alex's help & advice were invaluable. I wish I could do it all over again!”
Sarah Pountain, Jessop House, Tewkesbury.

To find out how to apply call the Hotel Inspector Team on 01752 727 400 or email: hotelinspector@twofour.co.uk

Don't forget the small print

It may seem like a lengthy and tedious process, but failing to read the terms and conditions carefully before agreeing a contract could end up costing you more than you originally expected.

The temptation to simply tick the agreement can be particularly strong when it comes to contracts entered into online. In a recent example that we have become aware of several businesses in the region signed up to a marketing company offering a free 30 day trial to appear on their website. In the small print of this offer it highlights that after 30 days the trial is binding for a year (costing nearly £100) and despite trying to cancel, businesses are now finding themselves liable for paying the full year fee.

South West Water businesses to benefit from new scheme

Tourism businesses can save water and cut costs with the launch of a new scheme by South West Water.

Exeter bed &breakfast, The Silversprings Hotel, is the first business in the region to gain the top exceptional grade in this new scheme after slashing its water use by 25% following a free water audit.

Water use at the 10 bedroom hotel has fallen from over 200 to less than 150 litres per guest per day after the installation of dual flush toilets, a new low consumption washing machine and the fitting of flow restrictors to basin taps and high pressure showers.

Owner Richard Power, has also learned how to accurately monitor their water use as well as setting up a rainwater collection system and automated drip irrigation on the hotel's patio for its plants.

He said: "We have found the Water Efficiency Certificate to be an excellent way for us to focus upon eliminating waste of water in a directly measurable manner. The target requirements for each level are specifically defined, and SWW have been most proactive in helping us to achieve these standards through free audits, detailed advice and encouragement to make the changes. We have found these changes to be quick, easy and interesting to implement and have very rapid payback times."

SWW Water Conservation Team Leader Jon Wood said: "The hotel is a great example of how a business can save water and money with some free advice and making just a few changes.

"We hope many more businesses across the region will make a commitment to saving water and take pride in displaying their Water Efficiency certificates."

The certificates are awarded at three levels: Exceptional, Comprehensive and Basic.

Businesses can learn more about the scheme by phoning the Water Conservation Team at South West Water on: 01392 443 946.

How to assess the potential impacts of climate change on your business

The Business Areas Climate Impacts Assessment Tool (BACLIAT) is a simple tool developed by the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) to help organisations assess the potential impacts of climate change on their business.

Climate change affects all areas of a business, so the checklist tool encourages exploration of the opportunities and threats of climate change within seven business areas: logistics, finance, markets, process, people, premises and management implications.

The checklist can be used by a single organisation or an entire businesses sector. It provides an initial impacts assessment that can form part of the first tier of a risk-based approach to decision making, and is most effective when used as part of a group brainstorming exercise.

For more information please visit: http://www.ukcip.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid=374

Disability Discrimination Act: new access requirements and tax guidance

HMRC has revised its guidance on the tax treatment of costs incurred by businesses on DDA compliance. This reflects changes in the tax system, which came into force in April 2008. Businesses can reduce some costs of making their business more accessible with the help of the tax system.

Details of the current tax situation and how this might affect your plans can be seen if you visit the HMRC website.

From 1st October 2004, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) required service providers to make 'reasonable adjustments' to their premises to tackle any physical features that prevent disabled people from using their services. What is reasonable will vary in different situations. It may depend on the type of service being provided and the size and resources of the service provider.

It could be as simple as using contrasting colours to help visually impaired people distinguish walls from doors, lowering a counter to make it more accessible to a wheelchair user or providing better lighting and clearer signs.

If you would like more information about these duties, please visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission website.

What limits your businesses profitability and/or growth?

We are keen to hear your comments regarding what you see as a limiting factor to your businesses success or what annoys / causes confusion with the current South West tourism industry. We will then review, discuss and explore possible ways of rectifying these factors for the future.

For example:

Unnecessary red tape
Skills, labour supply and rising labour costs
Confusing structures
Increasing costs of energy and insurance etc
Lack of marketing the region and its destinations.

Weather forecast websites

It's the summer season, however it's probably fair to say that the current weather hasn't been helpful to all tourism businesses, and is causing many visitors to hold off on booking a holiday until the last minute.

Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of South West Tourism, has recently been commenting on the weather forecasts in the media and in particular the risk factor regarding showers. It is felt that these need to be made clearer so visitors can make an informed choice over whether they are prepared to risk a bit of rain, and then plan their holiday better, rather than staying away altogether.

See which weather website work for you and your visitors: we have listed a few below, which offer different amounts of detail dependent on your requirements.

www.metoffice.com
www.metcheck.com
www.windguru.com
www.xcweather.co.uk
www.magicseaweed.co.uk

Is your tourism business at risk of flooding?

The Environment Agency is advising tourism businesses across the South West to find out whether their business is in a flood risk area.

Understanding what you can do to reduce the risk and taking action in advance are the key steps in preparing for and reducing the emotional and financial costs flooding can cause.

For more information visit the Environment Agency website at:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk where you can check your flood risk and get practical advice.

Government is failing to give the tourism industry the support it needs

On the 10th July The Culture, Media and Sport Committee published its Eighth Report in Session 2007-08, Tourism (HC 133). The Committee finds that the Government is failing to give the necessary support to UK tourism during a challenging period for the industry.

Key overview:
• The Committee is concerned by the "lack of confidence the industry appears to have in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport" and is discouraged to see that "responsibility for tourism has been so frequently transferred between Departmental Ministers, creating an impression that it is seen as an afterthought which has to fit in with their other responsibilities."

• The Committee specifically criticises the Government for its decision to cut the funding for VisitBritain, the body responsible for promoting UK tourism destinations overseas.

• Under the reduced funding settlement, the Committee finds it difficult to see how the Government's strategy to maximise the tourism benefits from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games can be realised.

• The Committee found that the UK is perceived to offer poor levels of customer service and quality of "welcome".

• The Committee concludes that high visa prices are a further constraint on attracting overseas visitors to the UK.

• Statistics on the tourism industry were widely criticised in the Committee's inquiry for their inaccuracy and inadequacy, disadvantaging tourism in comparison to other industries. The Government undertook a review of tourism statistics in 2004, yet the Committee found that the report's recommendations have been "implemented only in a very limited and piecemeal fashion".

Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of South West Tourism, said about the report:
“South West Tourism welcomes the report, and agrees completely with their conclusions. In addition to the fact that not only is tourism not being taken seriously, it is being taken for granted, which is quite unbelievable given the impact on the economy of rapid reduction in the tourism industry in the 2001 foot and mouth crisis.

We also welcome the recommendation that the Government should take a serious look at the benefits of introducing Double British Summer Time.

It is vital that the Government quickly understands what is needed at local, regional and national level to ensure that the tourism industry prospers and delivers a multitude of benefits to other businesses, our communities and region as a whole.
We call on the Government to take the report seriously and to act."

To view the full report please visit: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmcumeds.htm.

Credit Crunch – Tourism business tips

There has been a lot of media coverage recently regarding the credit crunch and increase in fuel prices and the effect this will have on the tourism industry, especially as we are now in those important summer months.

Therefore, we have listed some practical tips for your consideration:

1) It is important to add value to your tourism product and re-evaluate your offerings. For example, look at your menu / bed and breakfast prices and see if you can add anything which might attract more visitors. Visitors will increasingly be looking at prices to determine where they go this year, however, it is important not to compromise on quality – now is the time to be innovative and sell on ‘value’.

2) Save energy and save money - find ways of saving money by reducing your energy consumption and download a FREE fact sheet from: www.swtourism.co.uk/green/action-of-the-year/energy-resources.ashx.

3) Late bookings - make sure you add late booking offers to your own websites and other related sites. Try and target your specific audience, (e.g. family breaks / adventure related / romantic / city breaks etc)

4) Keep in touch with your existing customer database – inform visitors of any events that are taking place in your area, or any events you might be organising.

5) Make sure you are getting the most out of your website and re-evaluate your website ranking (e.g. your listing on search engines) – can your website be found with ease?

Welcome from South West Tourism

South West Tourism welcomes you to your first FREE ‘Tourism Industry News’ designed to bring you latest tourism trends, research, laws, events and vital tourism breaking news.

As many of you may be aware we have an emerging new structure to support the tourism industry in the South West region. Destination management organisations will deal with your local needs, and South West Tourism, as the regional tourist board, will concentrate on the key strategic, regional and national issues helping to ensure our industry thrives.

We understand how important it is to maintain our engagement with our existing members and the wider industry in the South West, so we can work towards:

• Helping to make the region a better place to visit
• Understanding the needs of our visitors
• Raising the profile of the region and what it offers to potential visitors
• Making the region more competitive and productive by offering practical advice, latest news and updates about our Government lobbying.

Tourism Industry News will be a monthly e-newsletter, which will enable you to ‘Have your Say’ on current tourism topics, so please remember to comment or send any feedback on articles featured.

We are also keen to hear from you about what you want from a regional tourism industry website and what information will help you and your business. Therefore if you have time to complete our short online survey we would be very grateful.

To view the survey please visit the following link:
http://www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/swtresearch/survey/swt/web.htm

I hope you enjoy the first edition.

Malcolm Bell
Chief Executive of South West Tourism